Abbey is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Hanging by a Thread, the latest novel in the Sewing Studio mystery series.

Welcome, Abbey. Let’s get started, shall we?

Tell us about the novel that you live inside. Is it part of a series? If so, please tell us about the series too.

Okay, so here’s what happened.  After college (I got a business degree, my one act of rebellion against my university-professor parents who definitely had different plans for me) I got a job at a huge marketing firm in Los Angeles.  My dream come true!  Then, well, things didn’t turn out as I’d imagined.  My life fell apart, so I retreated to Hideaway Grove where I’d spent idyllic summers with my Aunt Sarah, who owns an awesome bakery, to regroup and figure out what to do with my life.

I got involved with a charity project making pillowcase dresses for girls in Africa, which is kind of weird because my sewing skills are almost nonexistent.  But it was a good cause and I have fun organizing parties for volunteers who want to be part of the project.  Then, somehow, I’ve ended up in a murder investigation—twice now. 

Hanging By A Thread is the second adventure in the Sewing Studio series.  It takes place in touristy Hideaway Grove, a quaint little town filled with unique shops, art galleries, and great restaurants.  My Aunt Sarah’s livelihood is threatened when a rival bakery is planning to open in town.  When the new owner is murdered, Aunt Sarah becomes the prime suspect—and I’ve got to find the real killer!

Does the writer control what happens in the story or do you get a say too?
The writer always has a clear picture of what’s going to happen in each story.  Still, surprises pop up, and because she’s written a lot of books, she goes with them and sees where they lead. 

How did you evolve as the main character?
When I lost my dream job in Los Angeles and retreated to Hideaway Grove, I knew I had to re-think my life and find another path.  My biggest adjustment since moving here was learning to deal with life in a small town.  So far, I’m handling it pretty well.

Do you have any other characters you like sharing the story with? If so, why are you partial to them?
I love my Aunt Sarah, of course.  Even though she never married and has no children of her own, she somehow knows the right thing to say to me when I’m upset or troubled.  She’s my rock!

My best friend is Caitlin.  She’s engaged to be married.  But, honestly, I’m not sure it’s going to work out. 

Something else that might not work out is my sort-of relationship with Zack McKenna, a deputy sheriff here in Hideaway Grove.  He’s handsome—especially in his uniform—and we’ve shared a few moments, but I don’t know if our relationship is going anywhere or not.

What’s the place like where you find yourself in this story?
Life in the small town of Hideaway Grove, sewing pillowcase dresses, launching my tote bag business, and solving murders is all new to me.  I’m trying to figure it out!  

Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers about you and the book?
My life got turned upside down and I ended up in this small town, doing things I never dreamed I’d do.  I’m trying to go with it, and trust that this is a path I should follow.  Wherever I end up is the place I belong.

Thank you for answering my questions, Abbey, and good luck to you and your author, Dorothy Howell, with Hanging by a Thread, the latest book in the Sewing Studio mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Abbey and her author, Dorothy Howell by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Goodreads and Instagram pages.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

 Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop.org

About Dorothy Howell: USA Today Bestselling author Dorothy Howell is the author of 49 novels. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages and sold worldwide. She writes the Sewing Studio mystery series, the Haley Randolph mystery series, and the Hollis Brannigan and Dana Mackenzie mystery series. Dorothy also writes historical romance novels under the pen name Judith Stacy.  Dorothy lives in Los Angeles.